1831. Carta de Maria do Rosário para o marido, António Fernandes, vendedor de mechas.

Family letter from Maria do Rosário to her husband, António Fernandes, fuse seller.

The author tells her husband, imprisoned, that she will put up the path to go see him.

José Moreira and António Fernandes were arrested for the theft of some objects (towels, a key, a razor, among other belongings) from the Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Prazeres, in Derrainha.

«My beloved António, I take or ask someone to write to settle my spirit, as it has been so restless ever since you failed to show up at home, 12 days ago, after departing from here; I don’t know your whereabouts. I’ve just received the sad news of your imprisonment, whose cause I ignore, I don’t know if it was due to turmoil or due to the lack of something that would ask you the corks. Your son and I, we long for your company, even just for a moment, because you are well aware that I don’t have any other protection but yours. As soon as I was told the sad news, I was overwhelmed, with no strength, crying, pitying my dark fate and my current situation. Now that I found a holder for this letter in that land, I send you this one to truly understand what I should do, or whom should I talk to, so that we can decide what to do. My letter is accompanied by this other letter, from João Mexieiro, as you know him well, and he was the one who gave me the news. I’m ready to get on my way, leaving the boy somewhere, and start looking for you. At the same time, ask for alms, for the love of God, for the believers, just to see you and go along. You do this, poor life. Send me the answer, without fault, because you know I’m in need.

From your wife, today, 25th January, 1831, Maria Rosário»